Magalies Water, Glencore and the Bakwena Ba Mogopa Community, along with the Rustenburg local municipality, have jointly launched Phase 1 of the Bethanie-Modikwe bulk water pipeline project.

The initiative, which aims to improve access to reliable and potable water for communities and address long-standing water supply challenges in the area, forms part of Glencore’s broader commitment to responsible mining and sustainable community development.

The project includes a 23.4 km pipeline transporting water from the Kortbegrip reservoir to the communities of Bethanie, Modikwe and Makolokwe.

The project replaced an aging pipeline with a new 550 mm high-density line from the Kortbegrip reservoir, which will be reticulated and provided by the local municipality to households in the near future.

Completed in November 2025, the project will significantly increase water supply capacity and will double the current demand, enabling a future total supply of up to 46 megalitres over the next 25 years.

“Together with Bakwena Ba Mogopa, we are proud to have partnered with Magalies Water, and Rustenburg local municipality to create an opportunity that will bring this vital resource to the communities near our operation,” said Glencore Rhovan Mine senior GM Conroy van der Westhuizen.

“Access to clean water is essential for the health and wellbeing of communities near our operations, and we believe this project will make a lasting positive impact.”

The company acknowledged that more must be done; however, this initiative is a “massive” step forward to get to sustainable and running water in every household.

“This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government and private entities come together with a shared vision,” added Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, highlighting that the project reflects the impact that can be achieved when government, industry and water entities work together to address service delivery challenges.

“Improving access to safe and reliable water remains a priority for government and partnerships such as this play an important role in making it possible. By aligning our efforts in upgrading critical infrastructure and working together with communities, we are not just improving water supply, but are building sustainable solutions that enhance service delivery and foster development.”